Birth date: Oct 21, 1940 Death date: Sep 22, 2023
Captain Richard "Rick" Grant USN (Retired) of Memphis, TN, passed away on Friday, September 22nd, 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy of family, friendship and service to his country and community. Rick will be lovingly remembe Read Obituary
Mr Grant was a junior officer in HS 6, a helicopter pilot, and I met him while we sailed to Vietnam on the old Kearsarge, a carrier left over from WW 2. Mr Grant had a special talent. He could make each individual believe that his effort was important and that each person was important. He was a quiet leader with unflappable courage.
Because he lived, humanity was elevated. A leader, skilled pilot, and a courageous officer that faced death numerous times to bring his fellow Americans home.
Thank you for your friendship
JW Jones
The Curtins were dismayed to learn of Rick's passing. We were just talking about him the other day and his wonderful athletic ability in several sports. We knew Lieutenant Commander Rick Grant when we were all stationed at HS-1 in Jacksonville, Florida. Rick was the Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Andrew Curtin was Maintenance Officer, and Lieutenant Cara Curtin was Education Services/Public Affairs. Rick loved the Navy and he loved his job, most of the time. He was a true professional who brought a smile with him when he entered the room. We offer our sincere condolences upon his passing. Andrew and Cara Curtin, email [email protected].
I first met Rick in 1975 when, as a newly minted Ensign, I was assigned to HS-1 while awaiting my flight school start. I was assigned to work for Rick and he took clueless me under his wing and educated me on the ways of a Navy helicopter squadron. I also had a chance to join him on the squadron softball team where he was coach and our star player. What a great ballplayer! He took the team all the way to the Atlantic Fleet Championship! I watched him work as the squadron's Maintenance Officer and it was clear to me, even then, that I was watching a great leader at work. Even though I was only there for four short months, Rick made a lifelong impression on me. I will always remember him with fondness and awe! Farewell Shipmate
RADM Bill Shannon USN(Ret.)
I am deeply saddened to learn of Rick's passing. Rick and I first met in Jan 1980 when we (HM-16) cross-decked from the Kitty Hawk to the Nimitz in the North Arabian Sea during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. He and his squadron (HS-5) were extremely helpful in our transition from one deck to another. Shortly after meeting, we realized we belonged to the same college fraternity. A few years later, we reconnected while serving on the OPNAV Staff and have remained friends through the years via social media. My deepest condolences to Elyse and family!
Morrie Steen
Captain, USN )Ret)
Rick and Elyse were among the first couples with Memphis and Navy connections to whom my wife Jane and I were introduced when arriving at NAS Memphis for my XO tour in 1994. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome and part of the Memphis Navy community. Rick always struck me as being very kind and humble, though he was a man of many accomplishments. I enjoyed playing golf with him at the old Germantown Country Club, and appreciated his fellowship and counsel in Navy League and ANA. He will be missed!
Elyse and family. Peggy and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and pray for peace and tranquility in your time of need. Rick was always a friend and inspiration to me and I have fond memories of our many years of friendship. God bless, Peggy and Gary Skaar
